Three: A Lil’ Valentine Party

Miss Nellie had a little love themed birthday party this weekend. I don’t think you can ever go wrong with love themed. We tamed our party group to a small bunch and noticed how much better she did. A bit shy and easily overwhelmed, we were so happy to see her all smiles and owning her turf, even if she did end up wanting to ditch her friends for the babies. Always.

Pictures make things look pretty and more time-consuming than they are. Really, this was a very simple party to put together. Got paper doilies? You’re all set. We taped and strung paper doilies everywhere, adding them to bagged lunches, take-home treat sacks and yarn lines tied between trees.

We used $0.79 terra cotta pots–spray-painted white–which the girls painted (lay out some paintbrushes, a plate full of paint colors, a glass of water to clean brushes and baby wipes to clean hands) and added some lace embellishments (they brushed on Tacky Glue to adhere them). Pop in some pretty impatiens, and voila.

The kids took care of everything else.

Foam board painted with target; we used Hershey’s kisses to throw as “darts”

Parties usually end in our driveway, and I love it. A mess of trikes and bikes, sandals slapping fast against cement, little girls giggling as they chase each others’ bike trails, toddlers pulling wagons three times their size, mamas set up in beach chairs and the unspoken understanding that the party might be over but please, stay as long as you’d like.

Seems to be the year of the boy in our group. Ours will soon join these two new little loves, Thomas and Johnny Mac.

Nella sat in the driveway and fed her baby strawberries for quite a while.

…but ended up fascinated with new presents.

A pretend butterfly that realistically flutters in a jar…

…and a new bubble blowin’ car.

Oh, and for the record…

…I still got it.

Our weekend has nicely contrasted that of so many others’ in the country. I’ve loved seeing picturesque snow scenes on IG and hearing of cold cozy nights back home up north. I miss it but can’t deny the fact that our weather has been completely enjoyable lately–warm but breezy, plenty of blue skies and nights with open windows and happy cricket sounds.

That picture of you hoola hooping…looks JUST LIKE LANEY!!!! I love it! You look fabulous. Looks like a wonderful party celebrating a precious little girl!!! I can’t believe she’s 3! Time flies!!!! Been reading ALMOST her entire life!

mama tis always a pleasure stoppin’ by here. You are always an inspiration, what a gorgeous day and go you with the hula hoopin’! Thinking of you as you wait for your little one to join you earthside. love and light X

Hello! I read your blog and I just wanted to share with you that my Aunt (who I have grown up with and lived with most of my life) has Down Syndrome and will be 50 this coming summer. I cannot believe it. She is just a doll – surely just like your sweet girl also. Much love to you & your family. It is such a joy to follow you on your blog. Your positive and undoubtedly loving posts are a blessing to read.

Kelle….What a sweet party for sweet little Nella!! 😉Those apple juices are making me thirsty!! ;-DHey. Did you eat any of those Hersey Kiss “darts”? just wondering…. 😉I love the bubble blowing car!! If only they made such toys when I was a girl…. 😉You are ROCKIN’ that Hoola Hoop!! ;-DI cannot wait for Baby Boy’s arrival!! So exciting!! I feel like I’m on “Kelle Hampton Baby Watch”!! ;-D–Raelyn

What a lovely party Nella had and what an amazing Momma you are to always create the most beautiful moments for your sweet babies. I LOVE Nella’s outfit and hope she had a wonderful time. Thank you for always sharing your heart and pictures with us. You inspire me SO MUCH!!

This makes my heart absolutely swoon!! You are giving those girls such amazing lives and are providing them with memories they will NEVER forget. I cannot wait for little boy to enter this world and fall into place in your beautiful family!

You’re a beautiful being, Kelle, and wildly creative and talented! I admire you in so many ways and I’ve never even met you. Your daughter and her experiences make me see things in such a different light than I did before. Love her!

Oh, and any time you’d like some of our NJ winter weather, you’re welcome to it LOL! We got about 8 inches of the white stuff here, and I’m so glad to see it melting. I hate cold – in fact, if you want to send me some of YOUR weather I’d be more than happy to accept it! I want summer – or at least spring – soooo bad!

So many beautiful and cute pictures, I couldn’t begin to pick a favorite. Nella loves her babies. I love that car bubble machine. How cute is that. I love that your parties start in your little woods and ends in your driveway. What a simple but sweet party. Your parties are so much fun. HOw can you hula hoop being almost ready to deliver. Love your outfit.

Oh goodness! Way cute party. Props to you mama. I didn’t have much energy at this point in any of my pregnancies. Very good to hear you are feeling well this late in the game. Any day now! Yay for the Hamptons!

Love, Love, Love the butterfly kiss photo. OMG – It could not be any cuter; seriously! In regard to the weather…You win! We are in Michigan with 50 mph winds today and have had more than enough white stuff this season. Thinking open windows and green grass cannot happen soon enough up here! Adorable party pictures – thanks for sharing. Happy Hearts Day to all ~

Happy birthday, Nella! Loved the valentine’s themes. Nothing better than pink and hearts in my opinion. The picture of Lainey and Nella side by side you posted at the end is the first time I’ve been able to see the two of them look so much alike! I’ve seen you in Nella but I’m excited to finally be able to see sisters in each other

What a beautiful party!! I keep checking your blog daily to see if your little man has arrived yet. I can’t wait for you guys to have another little person join your family. Babies are such wonderful blessings.

Even your simple effortless parties as you say, seem soo detailed. I envy your gift to throw parties. I made Valentine’s tonight with my little guy and that felt like “whoa”. I felt a little tear looking at Nella with her baby…soon she will have a little brother to care for!

Love the Valentine’s birthday party! Reminds me of growing up and my sister and I (February babies with our birthdays a few days apart) having love/heart/valentines-themed parties. Such great memories. Can’t wait to hear of your little man’s arrival!

Belated Birthday Greetings to Nella. What a wonderful party…. Hula Hooping? I’m impressed – I couldn’t do that when I was 10. lol I just love the adoration on your girls faces when they are with each other…. so very heart-stoppingly sweet. I bet they are very excited to meet their little brother? Jude.x

Looks like Nella had a lovely party. Love the last picture of her in particular-such a gorgeous, beaming smile.Kelle wishing you and your beautiful family much happiness as you await the arrival of Baby Boy Hampton.xxoo

It definitely seems to be year of the boy! I am due May 1st and am being surprised by the gender. I have 13 friends or acquaintances with babies due in April or June and every single one of them is having a boy! I’m curious to see if they’re all boys or if I’m carrying their one little girl friend! =]

I love your blog and have been reading it for years. You helped me pave my way onto motherhood and gave me so much excitement to start my family. I have never before heard of a person with my name and when I was reviewing this blog I found my name on one of your beautifully decorated bag – there it was in bright lights, well maybe more bright felt “Kinsley”. I didn’t know I was invited to the party and let me tell you I would have been there with bells on! I would love to know if it is a boy or a girls name and where the parents found it! Please share if you have a moment!!! KInsley

Kelle, I am so inspired by your creativity. I forgot about mine many years ago, but reading your blog inspires me now. In fact, I’m even creating the artwork for my second little boy who will be joining our family in May. When’s it’s finished I plan to share it on my tiny blog. If I have enough nerve, maybe I’ll try to share it with you.

Anyway, I’m so excited to hear the news of your new addition, and to read the words of other women in your life. Good luck, congratulations to Nella for turning three!

Oh my goodness, I wandered over from pinterest and read Nella’s birth story. It was so powerful. Then I jumped right over here to Nella’s 3rd birthday and I have to say how beautiful and loved your girls look. The joy on Nella’s face in the last picture is such a wonderful testament her parent’s love! PS Her little red romper is ridiculously adorable!

You’re little Nella could not be any cuter of a valentine. I love the simplicity of the party, but even simple, it takes a bunch of effort. And in the end, it was all about the child and the other children.